It’s the final night of the regular season, and precious NBA Playoff seedings will finally be determined. The Mavericks and Grizzlies clash with the winner taking no. 7 in the West. In the East, either the no. 4 Bulls or the no. 7 Bobcats can still jump one spot higher if results go their way, but they must first keep up their end of the bargain and win.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Dallas Mavericks (+3.5) at Memphis Grizzlies (-3.5); total: 191.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
[sc:NBA240banner ]Dirk Nowitzi is ready to go back to the playoffs. The Mavs have gone 5-1 SU in their last six games with the big German averaging 23 PPG on a sizzling 58% shooting average this April.
Meanwhile, Monta Elis had 37 points in Dallas’ key 101-98 win over the Suns, upping his average to 25 PPG in his last four games.
The Mavs have been on fire on the road recently, as Dallas is 6-0 SU/5-1 ATS in its last six road games, which includes big wins at the Clippers and at the Thunder. Dallas also claimed a rare road win in Memphis in February where Nowitzki starred with 26 points on 10-14 shooting.
Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies
Outside the playoff picture just days ago, the Memphis Grizzlies are now primed to take the no. 7 seed in the West. The Grizzlies have won four in a row, with big wins over the Heat and the Suns.
Zach Randolph dominated Phoenix with 32 points on 15-25 shooting against the Suns, while Marc Gasol added 18 points. Gasol is playing his best basketball of the season, just in time for the playoffs., as the All-Star is averaging 18 PPG, 9 RPG and shooting 52% from the field this month.
The Grindhouse has been an absolute fortress since the New Year. Memphis is 19-3 SU at home in 2014 and has won 13 straight home games.
Writer’s Prediction
With that no. 7 spot on the line, the Grizzlies will grind out the tough win, but the Mavs will keep it close and cover the spread.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Bobcats (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats (Even spread); total: 181.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Chicago Bulls
Joakim Noah and the Chicago Bulls are ready for the postseason. The Bulls are 8-1 SU in their last nine games, thanks to the inspired play of their star center. Noah has grabbed 10 or more rebounds and dished off eight or more assists in four consecutive games.
Bulls sixth man DJ Augustin (20 PPG this month) missed the previous game for personal reasons, but is set to return against his former team. Chicago is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games vs. the Bobcats.
Betting on the Charlotte Bobcats
March’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month Al Jefferson is aiming to snag April’s title too. Big Al is averaging 26.5 PPG and 13.5 RPG this month to lead the playoff-bound Bobcats to an 8-2 SU record in their last 10 games.
Kemba Walker struggled mightily with just 5 points on 1-9 shooting in his return from a groin injury, but a few days’ rest and a return home, where he averages 19 PPG compared to just 16 PPG on the road, should get him back on track. Charlotte is 8-2 SU/7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Noah’s defense on Jefferson will slow down the Charlotte offense just enough for the Bulls to claim the road win and cover. Who are you going to bet on?
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